San Rafael resident Joseph Saccone, founder of Marin's United Markets, couldn't believe his eyes Friday when he arrived at the bocce club in San Rafael to find more than 70 people waiting to wish him a happy 100th birthday.

As he stepped out of his son-in-law's vehicle, Saccone's eyes lit up and his lips pursed into a big smile. His friends began to sing "Happy Birthday" as he entered the Marin Bocce Federation on B Street and was stopped every few feet to receive a hug.

Saccone said his son-in-law Bob Albertazi pulled a fast one on him, casually asking him whether he wanted to go play bocce in the afternoon. He had no idea a lavish surprise party had been in the works for weeks.

"I didn't have the least bit of a clue and I almost didn't come," Saccone said. "If there ever was a camouflage, this is it."

The centenarian, whose official birthday is Monday, was so thrilled that he couldn't even sit down or touch the huge spread of food prepared by his friends until he came down from what he described as "cloud nine."

Saccone is well known in the community for founding United Markets with his brother in 1955, which he turned over to two of his store managers in the 1990s. He founded the grocery after serving with Gen. George Patton's Third Army during World War II. He's a veteran of many Marin civic organizations, including the Marin Italian Athletic Club and the Marin Bocce Federation.

Raffaele Salvemini, of San Rafael, has Italian roots like Saccone and helped him open markets in Mill Valley, Rohnert Park and San Anselmo. The two men have known each other for more than 40 years and Salvemini said he had a wonderful boss, who he now also plays bocce with.

"Joe was always hands-on. He'd always come in and ask how it was going," Salvemini said. "I have a lot of respect for him."

Playing bocce is a way of life for Saccone, who plays at least three times a week and has the type of hand-eye coordination athletes dream of. He helped open the bocce club in 1994, but the sport truly became an all-encompassing activity after his wife of 72 years, Elda Rita Saccone, died in 2012.

"I'm just sad my wife isn't here," Saccone said, wishing she'd been part of his party.

Both Saccone and his late wife are treasured members of the club and known for winning all the gold medals in tournaments. Many of his friends said he's simply too good at the sport, and they wouldn't dare play him for money.

Tom Miller, of Novato, said Saccone plays to win, but he does so in such a friendly and courteous manner.

"He's a role model for anyone around him," Miller said. "He's an exceptional human being."

Dieter Vielhauer, of San Rafael, agreed.

"He's made a real impression on everybody. He's a real sincere and friendly gentleman," Vielhauer said.

For Nancy Martino, of Novato, Saccone is the man who taught her how to play bocce about eight years ago. She said his guidance has been greatly appreciated.

"He's an absolute good sport and it's hard to beat him," Marino said.

As Saccone made his way around the party, receiving kiss after kiss from all the women in attendance who claimed he is a huge flirt, his daughter Noella Albertazi reflected on how amazing it is that her father is so loved.

"Is there anybody he doesn't know?" Albertazi said. "It's humbling and it's fun. I feel good when I'm around him and he has the funniest stories."

Albertazi and her husband moved from Lake Tahoe to San Rafael after her mother died, helping her father take care of his house and himself. She said last week her father had a wonderful pre-birthday celebration when all of his grandchildren were in town. And what did the family do? Play bocce, of course.

"Grandpa ran the bocce clinic and the final game came down to a team with his two little granddaughters on it. They were screaming and jumping up and down. He had a ball," Albertazi said.